Are your kids spoiled? Keep spending in check

Regina Lewis, Special for Paste BN | USATODAY

Show Caption

The average middle-income family will spend %24234%2C900 to raise a child born in 2011
75%25 of mothers think their kids are at least %27a little spoiled%27
The penchant for high-end goods seems to just strengthen with age

According to a U.S. Department of Agriculture report, it's estimated a middle-income family will spend roughly a quarter million dollars to rear a child. The number shoots up to nearly half a million for higher earners.

Bundle.com analyzed spending at children stores by ZIP code to determine which cities tend to spoil their kids the most. Fancy strollers, designer kids' clothes and even "babycinnos" — a decaffeinated espresso for kids — can really add up.

According to their informal analysis of the data available, here are some of the top "spoiled kids" cities: Manhattan, Brooklyn (home of the babycinnos), Miami and Minneapolis.

Spending money on your child does not, of course, automatically equate to spoiling them. But, a survey of 6,000 moms by Parenting.com revealed 75% of mothers think their kids are at least "a little spoiled."

So, what can you do to keep spending and the spoiling factor in check?

1. A little adversity goes a long way. One of the bright spots of hard economic times is more families are hunkering down and dealing with current financial realities — together. Parents forced to scale back often end up reprioritizing their time. Coaching one of their kids' teams (free). Going to church (free).

2. Reward resourcefulness. There's no telling what the job climate will be when our kids grow up. But, one thing's for sure, it pays to be resourceful. So start rewarding that now.

3. Don't assume they'll outgrow expensive taste. The luxury trend doesn't end with toddlers. The penchant for high-end goods seems to just strengthen with age. Look no further than the high-end college dorm room market.

For more information: The cost of raising a child

Regina Lewis is a national television contributor and host of Paste BN's "Money Quick Tips" videos. Follow her on Twitter: @ReginaLewis.

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